LISBON (AP) – Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez became the most expensive player in British football history after joining Chelsea from Benfica for USD131.4 million, the Portuguese club announced yesterday.
The fee surpassed the GBP100 million (USD139 million) that Manchester City paid Aston Villa for England international Jack Grealish in August 2021.
Chelsea agreed to pay the release clause in the 22-year-old World Cup winner’s contract after a day of negotiations between Benfica and the co-owners of the Premier League club.
Fernandez only joined Benfica from Argentine club River Plate in August, for a reported fee of around USD10 million plus add-ons.
His profile increased at the World Cup in Qatar last year, when he broke into Argentina’s team during its run to winning the title.
